1.Serum Metabolomics of Simulated Weightless Rats Treated with Taikong Yangxin Pills
Xiaodi LIU ; Xuemei FAN ; Yiming WANG ; Mengjia YAN ; Yongzhi LI ; Jiaping WANG ; Junlian LIU ; Guoan LUO
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(2):147-153
ObjectiveTo study the effect of Taikong Yangxin Pills on the metabolism of simulated weightless rats based on metabolomics and discuss the metabolism mechanism. MethodsIn the simulated space capsule environment on the ground, the rat model of simulated weightlessness was established by the tail suspension method. Rats were randomly grouped as follows: out-of-capsule control, in-capsule control, model, and high (3.0 g·kg-1) and low (1.5 g·kg-1) doses of Taikong Yangxin Pills, and they were administrated with corresponding drugs by gavage for 28 days. The serum levels of endogenous metabolites in rats were determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). The obtained data were processed by principal component analysis (PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) to screen for differential metabolites and potential biomarkers. MetaboAnalyst 5.0 was used for pathway enrichment analysis to explain the metabolic regulation mechanism of the drug. ResultsCompared with the out-of-capsule control group, the in-capsule control group showed elevated levels of thirteen metabolites, including 14-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, and α-linolenic acid (P<0.05), which suggested that the space capsule environment mainly affected the metabolism of α-linolenic acid and linoleic acid in the rats. Compared with the in-capsule control group, the model group showed lowered levels of fourteen metabolites, including 4-imidazolone-5-propionic acid, isocitric acid/citric acid, and L-tyrosine (P<0.05), which were recovered after the treatment with Taikong Yangxin pills (P<0.05). The pathway enrichment analysis revealed that weightlessness induced by tail suspension and drug intervention mainly involved the phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis, tyrosine metabolism, histidine metabolism, and citric acid cycle. ConclusionThe simulated space capsule environment and simulated weightlessness induced by tail suspension can both affect the metabolism level of rats. Taikong Yangxin pills can ameliorate the metabolic abnormality in the rat model of weightlessness by regulating various amino acids and energy metabolism-related pathways.
2.Arsenic trioxide preconditioning attenuates hepatic ischemia- reperfusion injury in mice: Role of ERK/AKT and autophagy.
Chaoqun WANG ; Hongjun YU ; Shounan LU ; Shanjia KE ; Yanan XU ; Zhigang FENG ; Baolin QIAN ; Miaoyu BAI ; Bing YIN ; Xinglong LI ; Yongliang HUA ; Zhongyu LI ; Dong CHEN ; Bangliang CHEN ; Yongzhi ZHOU ; Shangha PAN ; Yao FU ; Hongchi JIANG ; Dawei WANG ; Yong MA
Chinese Medical Journal 2025;138(22):2993-3003
BACKGROUND:
Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is indicated as a broad-spectrum medicine for a variety of diseases, including cancer and cardiac disease. While the role of ATO in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) has not been reported. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the effects of ATO on HIRI.
METHODS:
In the present study, we established a 70% hepatic warm I/R injury and partial hepatectomy (30% resection) animal models in vivo and hepatocytes anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) models in vitro with ATO pretreatment and further assessed liver function by histopathologic changes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell counting kit-8, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 was transfected to evaluate the role of ERK1/2 pathway during HIRI, followed by ATO pretreatment. The dynamic process of autophagic flux and numbers of autophagosomes were detected by green fluorescent protein-monomeric red fluorescent protein-LC3 (GFP-mRFP-LC3) staining and transmission electron microscopy.
RESULTS:
A low dose of ATO (0.75 μmol/L in vitro and 1 mg/kg in vivo ) significantly reduced tissue necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and hepatocyte apoptosis during the process of hepatic I/R. Meanwhile, ATO obviously promoted the ability of cell proliferation and liver regeneration. Mechanistically, in vitro studies have shown that nontoxic concentrations of ATO can activate both ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-serine/threonine kinase (PI3K-AKT) pathways and further induce autophagy. The hepatoprotective mechanism of ATO, at least in part, relies on the effects of ATO on the activation of autophagy, which is ERK-dependent.
CONCLUSION
Low, non-toxic doses of ATO can activate ERK/PI3K-AKT pathways and induce ERK-dependent autophagy in hepatocytes, protecting liver against I/R injury and accelerating hepatocyte regeneration after partial hepatectomy.
Animals
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Arsenic Trioxide
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Autophagy/physiology*
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Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control*
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Mice
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Male
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/physiology*
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Arsenicals/therapeutic use*
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Oxides/therapeutic use*
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Liver/metabolism*
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Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism*
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Mice, Inbred C57BL
3.Correlation between positioning techniques using body membrane combined with thermoplastic pad,the body shape characteristics and setup errors in cervical cancer radiotherapy
Shanyu WU ; Yongzhi HUANG ; Dongrong CAI ; Qiuping FU ; Yaotong CHEN ; Yanhong WANG
Chongqing Medicine 2025;54(6):1334-1338
Objective To investigate the relationship between different body position fixation tech-niques,umbilical plane volume change(ΔV),body weight change rate(ΔW%),and radiotherapy setup errors in cervical cancer patients,and to provide recommendations for determining the margin of planning target vol-ume(MPTV).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 57 cervical cancer pa-tients who underwent radiotherapy at this hospital from June 2022 to May 2023.Patients were divided into the observation group(fixed with body membrane+thermoplastic pad,n=24)and the control group(fixed with body membrane alone,n=33)based on different positioning fixation methods.They were also further strati-fied by median BMI into BMI≥23.82 kg/m2 and BMI<23.82 kg/m2 patients.Setup errors in the left-right(X),cranio-caudal(Y),and anterior-posterior(Z)directions were recorded.Meanwhile,the umbilical plane volume on the first CT positioning image and the patient's body weight before positioning were recorded,as well as umbilical plane volume of cone-beam CT(CBCT)verification images during weekly radiotherapy and body weight before scan,the ΔV and ΔW%were calculated.Setup errors were compared between two groups,and correlations between ΔV,ΔW%and setup errors were analyzed in all patients,in two groups(the obser-vation group and the control group)and in two BMI subgroups.MPTV values in X,Y,and Z directions were calculated,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve determined the cut off values of ΔV and ΔW%when setup errors met the department's MPTV criteria.Results Compared with the control group,the ob-servation group showed significantly smaller setup errors in X,Y,and Z directions(P<0.05).Both ΔV and ΔW%were positively correlated with setup errors in X and Y direction in all patients,patients in the control group,and patients with BMI≥23.82 kg/m2(P<0.05).In the observation group,ΔW%was positively corre-lated with setup errors in Z direction in patients with BMI<23.82 kg/m2(P<0.05);In the control group,ΔV and ΔW%were positively correlated with setup errors in X and Y direction in patients with BMI≥23.82 kg/m2.ROC curve analysis showed that when setup errors in Y direction reached the department's MPTV criteria(8.41 mm),the cutoff values ΔV and ΔW%were 8.045 cm2 and 4.12%,respectively.Conclusion The body membrane+thermoplastic pad fixation technique reduces setup errors and mitigates the impact of ΔV and ΔW%on setup errors in X and Y directions.When ΔV or ΔW%exceeds the cutoff values,increasing CBCT verification frequency and re-fabricating the body membrane are recommended.
4.Application and research progress of Traditional Chinese Medicine in radiation environmental protection
Yuanbing ZHU ; Jiaping WANG ; Yongzhi LI ; Weihong LU
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(4):317-321
With the ongoing development of nuclear energy,radiotherapy,and space exploration,ionizing radiation poses a growing threat to human health.Studies have confirmed that high-intensity or prolonged exposure can lead to apoptosis,genetic damage,immune dysfunction,and multisystem disorders,underscoring the urgent need for effective protective strategies.This review aims to explore the molecular mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in radiation protection and assess its potential applications in extreme environments such as aerospace.A systematic literature review was conducted to summarize existing research on anti-radiation effects of single herbs,compound prescriptions,and Chinese patent medicines.The pharmacological features and action mechanisms of heat-clearing and detoxifying,tonifying,blood-activating,and tranquilizing herbs were analyzed,with emphasis on their applications in radiotherapy support and aerospace radiation protection.TCM exerts radioprotective effects through multiple biological pathways,including antioxidation,free radical scavenging,DNA repair,immune regulation,and tissue regeneration.Some Chinese patent medicines have been clinically applied as adjuncts to chemo-and radiotherapy,demonstrating benefits in reducing side effects and improving treatment tolerance.Certain herbal components have also shown promising potential in space radiation protection research.TCM has significant potential in radiation protection,particularly in high-risk settings such as spaceflight,where it offers integrated regulatory and protective effects.Future research should focus on elucidating mechanisms,standardizing efficacy evaluation,and promoting clinical translation to support its broader application in nuclear energy,medical radiotherapy,and deep space exploration.
5.Protective effects of Qiang Gu Kang Wei extraction against muscle atrophy induced by simulated microgravity in rats
Dan WU ; Leiyu TIAN ; Shuyu LI ; JiaPeng LIU ; Junlian LIU ; Yongzhi LI ; Qian WANG
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(4):367-371
Objective Observe the impact of Qang Gu Kang Wei extraction(KW)on skeletal muscle atrophy in simulated weightlessness rats by regulating endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial fusion.Methods SD rats were randomy divided the control group(Control),the simulated weightlessness group(TS),and the KW group(TS+KW).Rats were treated with KW with or without tail suspension(TS)for 28 days,and the cross-sectional areas of the gastrocnemius muscle were compared with a control group.The expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress(ERS)and key proteins involved in mitochondrial fusion were also analyzed.Results KW treatment reduced the loss of muscle cross-sectional area caused by TS.TS increased the protein expression of glucose-regulated Protein 78(GRP78)and components of the ERS signaling pathways,while KW treatment reduced this increase.TS also inhibited the expression of mitofusin 2(MFN2),which was increased by KW treatment.Additionally,KW treatment promoted the interaction between GRP78 and the endoplasmic reticulum protein sigma-1 receptor(Sig-1R).Conclusion KW may attenuate muscle atrophy caused by simulated weightlessness by regulating ERS and mitochondrial fusion fusion.
6.Olfactory diagnostic analysis system based on a low-pressure chamber,simulated weightless human bedridden volunteers,and general population oral odor mapping analysis
Quanchun FAN ; Chong XU ; Junlian LIU ; Xiaorui WU ; Yu LIU ; Jiaping WANG ; Shuang ZHAO ; Yongzhi LI
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(4):380-384
Objective Hypobaric chamber and simulated weightless bed are essential methods for aerospace medical research,and conducting state assessment of volunteers before and after hypobaric chamber and simulated weightless bed tests is an essential guideline for aerospace implementation medicine.To further improve the efficiency of human condition assessment,in addition to the conventional biochemical and physiological indicators,the human oral exhaled gas can be used for condition assessment,and the olfactometry acquisition equipment and analysis software can collect and detect most volatile gases to complete the human oral exhaled gas data acquisition.Conducting comparative analysis of olfactory mapping data from different populations may be a means to assess the status of the body.Methods The olfactometry acquisition equipment was used to collect the oral exhaled breath olfactometry profiles of the general population,hypobaric cabin volunteers,and ambulatory volunteers.The olfactometry analysis software was used to calculate the 12 eigenvalues of the olfactometry profiles and the t-SNE downscaling,and the radar plots were used to analyze the olfactometry profiles of the general population,low-pressure cabin volunteers,and ambulatory volunteers respectively.A comparative analysis of different populations was conducted.Results(1)The t-SNE mapping data of the general population and the ambulatory volunteers were almost indistinguishable;(2)the t-SNE mapping data of the hypobaric cabin volunteers and the general population had a slight overlap,but the distinguishability of the vast majority of the t-SNE mapping data was obvious;(3)the t-SNE mapping data of the hypobaric cabin volunteers and the ambulatory volunteers were distinguishable with no overlap,and the ambulatory t SNE data are highly aggregated,and the distribution of t-SNE data in low-pressure cabin is more discrete;(4)there are 2-3 sensors with large eigenvalues and a large range of variation for both low-pressure cabin volunteers and recumbent volunteers after training activities,and the common sensor with a large range of variation is S6.Conclusion Olfactory diagnostic analysis mapping may be a means to assess the health status of the body and may be useful for spaceflight health status assessment in the future.The analysis and application of flight health state assessment can be a reference in the future.
7.Comprehensive quality evaluation of Guge fengtong tablets
Shunli JI ; Hong ZHOU ; Yongzhi WANG ; Xiaoqin YIN
China Pharmacy 2024;35(8):948-954
OBJECTIVE To establish a method for the content determination of 11 components such as protodioscin in Guge fengtong tablets, and to evaluate the comprehensive quality of Guge fengtong tablets by combining with chemometric analysis and entropy weight-technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (EW-TOPSIS) method. METHODS HPLC method was adopted. The determination was performed on Agilent Eclipse Plus C18 column with a mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile- 0.2% phosphoric acid solution at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min by gradient elution. The column temperature was set at 30 ℃ . The detection wavelengths were set at 203 nm (0-28 min, protodioscin, methyl protodioscin, pseudoprotodioscin, dioscin) and 280 nm (28-60 min, catechin, epicatechin, liquiritigenin, medicarpin, 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 10-gingerol); the sample size was 10 μL. Using epicatechin as the internal reference, quantitative analysis of multi-components by single marker (QAMS) method was used to determine the contents of protodioscin, methyl protodioscin, pseudoprotodioscin, dioscin, catechin, liquiritigenin, medicarpin, 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol and 10-gingerol, which were compared with the results of the external standard method. SPSS 26.0 software and SIMCA 14.1 software were used for principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis, with variable importance in projection (VIP) value greater than 1 as the standard, to screen for differential markers that affect the quality; the EW-TOPSIS method was adopted to evaluate the quality of 15 batches of samples comprehensively.RESULTS The contents of protodioscin, methyl protodioscin, pseudoprotodioscin, dioscin, catechin, liquiritigenin, medi-carpin, 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol and 10-gingerol determined by HPLC combined with QAMS were 6.330-10.863, 1.150-2.274, 0.431- 0.740, 2.818-4.823, 0.826-1.510, 0.043-0.094, 0.079-0.231, 0.479-1.020, 0.146-0.288, 0.118-0.318 mg/g, respectively; there were no statistical significances, compared with the external standard method (P>0.05). A total of 15 batches of samples were clustered into 3 groups, with S1-S6, S7-S10, and S11-S15 clustered into one group, respectively. The VIP values of protodioscin, epicatechin, dioscin and 6-gingerol were greater than 1. Euclidean closeness values of the optimal solution (C)i for 15 batches of samples were 0.163 5 to 0.703 7, and Ci values of S11-S15 were all higher than 0.6. CONCLUSIONS The established QAMS method is accurate and simple, and can be used for comprehensive quality evaluation of Guge fengtong tablets, by combining with chemometric analysis and EW-TOPSIS method. Protodioscin, epicatechin, dioscin and 6-gingerol are the differential markers that affect the quality of Guge fengtong tablets. Samples S11-S15 have better quality.
8.Efficacy of zero-pressure percutaneous nephrolithotomy combined with hands-free pneumatic lithotripsy in the one-stage treatment of calculous pyonephrosis
Zhonghua WU ; Yongzhi WANG ; Ping CHEN ; Tongzu LIU ; Bing LI ; Xinghuan WANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2024;29(12):1047-1050
[Objective] To evaluate the efficacy and safety of zero-pressure percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) combined with hands-free pneumatic lithotripsy in the one-stage treatment of calculous pyonephrosis in the non-acute infection phase. [Methods] Clinical data of 15 patients' treated during Feb.2022 and Dec.2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Double-sheath negative pressure PCNL was adopted, with zero-pressure gravity perfusion where the perfusion height was at the level of the patients' kidney, not exceeding 20 cm above the kidney.Pneumatic lithotripsy was performed without the need to hold the device with hand. [Results] The median stone diameter was 28 (range 22—40) mm, with a median stone density of 1028 (range 765—1305) Hu.All operations were successful.The median operation time was 55 (range 35—90) min.Postoperative low fever (Clavien grade Ⅰ) occurred in 1 case, and high fever (Clavien grade Ⅱ) occurred in 1 case, with no complications of Clavien grade Ⅲ or above.The initial stone-free rate was 73.3%, and the stone-free rate after one month was 93.3%. [Conclusion] For patients with calculous pyonephrosis in the non-acute infection phase, one-stage treatment using zero-pressure PCNL combined with hands-free pneumatic lithotripsy demonstrates good efficacy and safety.
9.Prostate ductal adenocarcinoma with prostate mucinous adenocarcinoma: a case report and literature review
Rexiati NIHATI ; Hong CAO ; Weizhe HAN ; Zhizhuang CHEN ; Jiageng SHI ; Zhuang WU ; Yuan LYU ; Chunyong JIANG ; Tao LIU ; Yongzhi WANG ; Xinghuan WANG ; Zhonghua YANG
Journal of Modern Urology 2024;29(12):1055-1059
[Objective] To summarize the clinical manifestations, pathological characteristics, treatment options and prognosis of the world's first case of prostate ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) complicated with prostate mucinous adenocarcinoma (PMA). [Methods] The clinical and follow-up data of a patient with PDA and PMA treated in Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University were retrospectively analyzed, and relevant literature in PubMed and CNKI databases was retrieved. [Results] The patient sought medical attention due to dysuria, frequent urination, urinary urgency and urinary pain for more than half a year, and was admitted to hospital 3 times in total.The initial diagnosis upon the first admission was benign prostatic hyperplasia complicated with prostatic abscess.After 2 months, the patient was readmitted due to worsening symptoms, received transurethral bladder neck incision+ cystoscopy+ transurethral plasma resection of the prostate, and postoperative diagnosis confirmed PDA with local PMA.Three months after surgery, the patient had bleeding.After auxiliary examinations revealed extensive metastasis, he received hormonal therapy.After 9 months, the patient died due to multiple lung metastases. [Conclusion] Early diagnosis has a significant impact on the treatment and prognosis, but there have been no previous reports of PDA combined with PMA, so the lack of specific biomarkers in the early stage has led to missed diagnosis or misdiagnoses.There is no specific treatment for PDA with PMA. Radical prostatectomy was not satisfactory in the treatment of this case.
10.Diagnostic value of cervical cell DNA ploidy analysis combined with B7-H4 and PKCδ for cervical cancer
Ningning ZHANG ; Zhe YANG ; Limei TAN ; Zhenning LI ; Di WANG ; Yongzhi WEI
Journal of International Oncology 2024;51(5):286-291
Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of cervical cell DNA ploidy analysis combined with negative costimulatory molecule B7 homolog 4 (B7-H4) and protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ) for cervical cancer.Methods:A total of 160 cervical cancer patients diagnosed and treated at Shijiazhuang People's Hospital from January 2018 to January 2022 were selected as the cervical cancer group. Meantime, 160 women who were screened for cervical cancer in our hospital during this period were selected as the control group. According to the examination results, they were divided into normal or inflammatory group ( n=52), low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) group ( n=68) and high-grade CIN group ( n=40). The automatic cell image analysis system was used to analyze the DNA ploidy of cervical cells. The levels of B7-H4 and PKCδ in serum were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pearson method was used to analyze the correlation between serum B7-H4 and PKCδ; the diagnostic value of cervical cell DNA ploidy analysis combined with serum B7-H4 and PKCδ in cervical cancer was evaluated by the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve; multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of cervical cancer. Results:The numbers of DNA ploidy positive cases of cervical cells in normal or inflammatory group, low-grade CIN group, high-grade CIN group and cervical cancer group were 16 (30.8%), 27 (39.7%), 26 (65.0%) and 127 (79.4%), respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( H=55.86, P<0.001). Further pin-by-pair comparison showed that compared with normal or inflammatory groups, the proportion of DNA ploidy positive in high-grade CIN group and cervical cancer group were higher (both P<0.05). The proportion of DNA ploidy positive in cervical cancer group was higher than that in low-grade CIN group ( P<0.05). Serum B7-H4 levels in normal or inflammatory group, low-grade CIN group, high-grade CIN group and cervical cancer group were (57.21±10.21), (79.17±11.34), (92.73±15.36), (126.56±20.25) ng/ml, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=285.45, P<0.001). Serum PKCδ levels were (89.34±18.29), (71.79±15.82), (53.39±11.84), (40.23±10.21) ng/ml, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=216.28, P<0.001). Further pin-by-pair comparison showed that serum B7-H4 levels in normal or inflammatory groups, low-grade CIN group, high-grade CIN group and cervical cancer group increased in turn (all P<0.05). Serum PKCδ levels in normal or inflammatory groups, high-grade CIN group and cervical cancer group were decreased in turn (all P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the serum B7-H4 and PKCδ levels in patients with cervical cancer were negatively correlated ( r=-0.47, P<0.001). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of cervical cell DNA ploidy for cervical cancer diagnosis was 0.82 (95% CI: 0.78-0.86), and the sensitivity and specificity were 83.9% and 79.9%, respectively. The AUC of serum B7-H4 in the diagnosis of cervical cancer was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89-0.95), the sensitivity and specificity were 95.7% and 76.1%, respectively, and the cutoff value was 111.12 ng/ml. The AUC of serum PKCδ for diagnosis of cervical cancer was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.89-0.95), the sensitivity and specificity were 85.6% and 88.9%, respectively, and the cut-off value was 54.83 ng/ml. The AUC of the combined diagnosis of cervical cancer was 0.99 (95% CI: 0.97-0.99), and the sensitivity and specificity were 98.3% and 75.9%, respectively. The AUC of the combined diagnosis of cervical cancer was higher than that of DNA ploidy ( Z=8.00, P<0.001), serum B7-H4 ( Z=4.34, P<0.001), and serum PKCδ ( Z=4.61, P<0.001) alone. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that high level of B7-H4 in serum ( OR=2.94, 95% CI: 1.78-4.84, P<0.001), low level of PKCδ ( OR=4.33, 95% CI: 1.88-10.00, P=0.001) and positive DNA ploidy in cervical cells ( OR=5.77, 95% CI: 2.38-13.99, P<0.001) were independent risk factors for cervical cancer. Conclusion:The positive proportion of DNA ploidy in cervical cells of patients with cervical cancer is increased, the serum B7-H4 level is increased, the PKCδ level is decreased, and cervical cell DNA ploidy analysis combined with serum B7-H4 and PKCδ has a high diagnostic value for cervical cancer.

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